Become an Alumni Mentor
BAMS Mentors Make a Difference
If you’re an alum and industry professional still active in a career, we invite you to sign up as a BAMS Mentor and be matched with a participating student in your field.
The Bailey Alumni Mentoring Students (BAMS) program matches experienced alumni and industry professionals with Bailey College students interested in the same field or industry.
BAMS benefits students by linking them one-on-one with an alum or an industry professional who is experienced and active in the industry or field they plan on entering. Students are paired with a mentor invested in their success — a person ready to listen, inspire and help navigate challenges and recognize opportunities.
BAMS Student Mentees will learn what to expect in graduate school or industry, how to approach challenges and gain career advice. BAMS Mentors will build their networks, develop skills to become better professionals and leaders and experience the fulfilling rewards of giving back and supporting a student following in your footsteps.
FAQs for BAMS Mentors
BAMS Mentors are Bailey College or Cal Poly alumni and industry professionals currently active and engaged in their fields of expertise.
As a BAMS Mentor, you’ll help Cal Poly students set and achieve goals, make connections and prepare for a future career. BAMS Mentors can answer questions that only someone who has lived and experienced a specific profession or industry can answer. You have a lot of insight that could be invaluable to a student who’ll soon be entering an environment you know well.
We’ll find the ideal match for both the Mentor and Student Mentee so that it’s a mutual fit. Cal Poly Bailey College students will be matched with you based on their major, career interests, goals, needs and preferences.
Bailey College is partnering with Mentor Collective to provide new BAMS Mentors, with on-demand training that they can complete at their convenience. The BAMS mentor learning experience is designed to provide a base understanding of the mentorship program’s expectations.
The Mentor Collective platform will include information about your mentees and provide BAMS mentors with a foundational understanding of the elements of successful mentorship. You will have information about how to connect with your mentee and share insights about their Cal Poly experience that our advising team can use to ensure that we are helping students connect with campus resources designed to support their academic success.
Additionally, there are optional resources that you may want to take advantage of to hone your mentoring skills. Including a Bailey College Resource Guide that offers information and links for: Career Services, Academic Advising, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Campus Health & Wellbeing.
Yes! BAMS is made possible by generous donations from alumni, parents, and friends. Contact us to learn more about how to support BAMS or make a gift directly to the Bailey College Innovation Initiative Fund.
We ask for a 1-year commitment from our BAMS Mentor. This will give both the mentor and mentee enough time to establish a connection. During that year, virtual check-ins should happen at least monthly. Brief notes on the conversations with your mentee will be expected and likely prove helpful for you to reference throughout your year-long mentorship.
Invitations to participate in on-campus and in-person mentorship sessions will be provided, but participation will not be required.
Sign up to become a BAMS Mentor on the Mentor Collective platform and complete the short registration form.
For any other questions about the BAMS program or becoming a Mentor, please email us at bailey-alumni@calpoly.edu.